Kemp "Powermain" 3/4 battened main sail

gandy

gandy

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Kemp \"Powermain\" 3/4 battened main sail

Hi,

I'm planning to replace the main sail this winter. Kemp are among the sailmakers I've spoken to and they are recommending their 3/4 battened design.

Does anyone have experience of this type of sail? Any comments welcomed.
 
Re: Kemp \"Powermain\" 3/4 battened main sail

No - but I did buy a new main from Kemp this last year. Wasnt bad, but wasnt impressive quality either. Cant say they were any worse than others in the same price bracket but I will be trying the others next time.
 
Re: Kemp \"Powermain\" 3/4 battened main sail

Can you still get fully battened without the cars?

Mine hasn't and works fine. Getting a bit long in the tooth and will need new one before too long.

3/4 battened - how near the edge does this end up? Is it as the name suggests or is it more complex? Can't see getting a good shape unless it goes all the way.
 
Re: Kemp \"Powermain\" 3/4 battened main sail

Put the main up for the first time today on my Parker 235....

The top 2 battens are full length with cars and the bottom 2 are 3/4...

Haven't seen 3/4 battens before...

The sails are Quantum (parker and kay)

I am impressed so far..
 
Re: Kemp \"Powermain\" 3/4 battened main sail

I got a Kemp Powermain type sail as my mizzen. I wanted full battens as the mizzen is useful if it can be left up while at anchor but that is no good if it flogs. The full battens were not recommended by any of the sailmakers I got to quote, so I went for the Kemp system.

It has been perfectly good for what I wanted, having the advantages of full battens but cheaper. Mind you we are only talking 80 square feet here!
 
Re: Kemp \"Powermain\" 3/4 battened main sail

Yes, my kemp main is 3/4 batten and I am very pleased with it, very pleased indeed. It also meant that it would work without having to modify my mast to take batten cars. It really does increase the size and makes a massive difference to standard mains on our boat.

Also meant I could leave the topping lift as is, it is closer but not a problem.

One word of warning though, we were out in a F6-7 gusting 8, great sail as the sea was relatively flat; but I was unhappy with the 2nd reef, still showing too much sail, more than a standard main. I sent it back for a deep reef last winter, it was about £50 if I remember, but may be worth stipulating during the build, you may get it cheaper. I do think it necessary due to the sail being that much larger.

I have nothing but good things to say about Kemps, for no other reason than I have had great service and my new sails make sailing fun, I also think their 3/4 solution is brilliant for us that do not want to invest in fully battened systems..

I can't comment on sail life yet as my sails are less than 24 months old, but they seem well build, no threads broken yet. But time will tell, I see no reason on inspections for any problems in this area. I have a gripe that being new and shiny every mark I accidentally make on them breaks my heart /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
Re: Kemp \"Powermain\" 3/4 battened main sail

Thanks for the responses.

My first impulse is to go with Kemp, partly because the guy I spoke to about the Stackpack knew all about our boat type without having to go and look iit up. He was very clear about their recommendations, and about how they suggested we set the rig up to best advantage.

There are some conflicting stories from the different sailmakers. Kemp don't recommend a full-battened main without proper cars, and our mast won't take them without making some mods to the gate. Conversely Crusader suggest going for full battens with no special cars. I also have quotes from Hood and Arun to consider before I finally decide. I want the decision taken before we haul out, in case the sail maker needs some measurements underway.

The point about the deep reef is well taken. We can only rig two reefing lines, but I plan to go for three reefs in the sail anyway. If I make some mods to the boom I can get three control lines, so I could choose between outhaul+ 2 reefs, or three reefs.
 
Re: Kemp \"Powermain\" 3/4 battened main sail

I rate Kemps highly.

However for my Fulmar I had my new mains'l made by Sanders in Lymington.

Full top batten in a car suited to the standard (Kemp) mast.
Extended lower battens.
Extra roach - but not to interfere with backstay.
Lens foot.

Loverly shape, goes like a train.
 
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